Charlie Baker Is Just Too Cool for School [OPINION]

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is a real hotshot. He doesn't need an alliance with the White House, therefore he didn't vote for anyone for president on Tuesday.

"I blanked it," Baker replied when asked by reporters who he voted for.

Baker, a Republican – or so he claims – has zero connections with the Republican administration in Washington. Too-cool-for-school Charlie Baker doesn't like President Donald J. Trump and takes potshots at the Commander-in-Chief whenever possible. Stupid is as stupid does.

Baker should have established a working relationship with Trump to benefit the citizens of Massachusetts. He chose instead to be antagonistic. And now Baker's only connection to the White House is Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson. God knows the congressional delegation can't call on the White House for favors.

The New Bedford fishing industry faced a crisis under the administration of former President Barack Obama, who declared a fairly large tract offshore to be a national monument. The declaration placed the area off-limits to fishing interests. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey did nothing to oppose the move.

President Trump listened to the fishermen and their advocates and reversed Obama's decision. Baker gets none of the credit because, like Warren and Markey, he won't talk to Trump. He's just too cool.

The Trump Administration followed up by giving New Bedford $16 million to further develop the waterfront. Imagine what could be accomplished if only Baker would bring himself to speak to Trump.

Should Trump win re-election, Baker will go four more years without talking to the president. Should Biden win, Baker will have to rely on Warren and Markey. Good luck with that.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.